Cowgirls In Style Sample

Cowgirls Cowgirl Living with Runway Flair

Spring Issue 2012

Magazine

Planning the Perfect Country Wedding Spring Cleaning your Tack Rooms and Barns Rodeo Royalty Season Tips from the Queens

Close up with NFR Barrel Racer, Fashion Model Angie Meadors

Contents

Cowgirls In Style Magazine specials

On The Cover

24 Planning a

24

perfect Country Wedding

We feature different types of wedding ideas from traditional white and pastel, country denim, and western rustic wedding ideas.

Also, a checklist for the bride and groom and some fun accessories for the wedding.

34 Angie

Meadors Fashion Model and NFR Barrel Racer

34

24 Planning a Country Wedding 34 Meet NFR Barrel Racer/ Model Angie Meadors 40 Rodeo Pageant Season... Tips from the Queens

40 Rodeo QUeen

46 Spring Cleaning your Barn and Tack Room

46 Spring Clean

Cover Credits: Angie Meadors Photographed by: Steve Lucas Photography Courtesy of Cowgirl Tuff Company Angie is wearing the Cowgirl Tuff jean “Believe and It’s Possible”

Tips Get pageant tips from national Queens

40

34

Your Barn and Tack Room

4 | Cowgirls In Style | Spring 2012

24-33 Photo By: Amberlee Christie

In Every Issue Features In Beauty

In Business

In Entertainment 16 The ACA’s fashions

52 Around the Barrel with Candy Rodewald

In Fashion

Cowgirls Social

14 Spring Makeup Tips 15 Cowgirl Manicure

18 Cowgirls Spring Fashion Forecast 20 Latest Styles from the Biggest Brands

50 Cowgirl Swank

In Rodeo

54 ACA’s, MRA

In Travel

58 The Western Wanderer visits Garnet, Montana

In Equestrian

37 Bling Your Horse.

38 Horse Training 101

How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls

44 Cowgirls 45 Making a Difference

Summer Issue Coming June 2012 • • • • •

Summer Fashions Summer Vacations Celebrity Fashions Online Dating The Cowgirls Historical Foundation • The Jean That Is Right For You • Much More!

In Every Issue 7 Cowgirls Mailroom 8 A Cowgirl’s Voice 9 What’s New 10 E-Cowgirl 11 Calendar Cowgirls 17 Country Buzz

Coming June 2012

Spring 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 5

happy

spring

Cowgirls Mail Room

See what people are saying about Cowgirls In Style Magazine

Comments from our winter issue.

We’re glad you are enjoying Cowgirls In Style magazine!

Thanks everyone!

Just got my magazine in the mail! LOVE IT! Thank ya’ll so much! ~Elizabeth, Texas I shared you with GREAT Cowgirls in SE Iowa plus all my Cowgirls all over the country!!!!! Something we’ve all been missin! ~Karry I loved the article on Patricia in your last issue! ~Nancy My daughter is in love with this magazine! ~Nicole

Loved the MRA Fashion desginers article!! Thank you for your magazine! ~HD

Great to see McKenzie on the cover!

T.F.

Love, love, love your magazine! So happy we have something for us country girls!

C.S. Texas

I love the idea of giving cowgirls a voice! This magazine has been long overdue! There are so many cowboy magazines.

It’s now our turn!

Sue Washington

Love this magazine! I wish we had something like it in Italy! ~Nicole

Email us your comments! editor@cowgirlsinstyle.com

www.cowgirlsinstyle.com | editor@cowgirlsinstyle.com

from the editor

Cowgirls In Style

A Cowgirl’s Voice...

Spring 2012

C.I.S. Editor-In-Chief Susan Gentry with 2011 Miss Rodeo America, McKenzie Haley at the MRA Pageant in Las Vegas

Magazine Susan Gentry Founder Editor-In-Chief Jeannie Flynn Assistant Editor Robert Gentry Assistant Editor

C

owgirls In Style magazine has been having a lot of fun!

From the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and the NFR, to the American Country Awards Red Carpet! We’ve gotten around! We loved the fashions at the MRA pageant and the ACA’s!

We are so thrilled with the cover of this spring issue and the opportunity to feature, barrel racer/model, Angie Meadors. We call her, “the woman of all trades.” So fun to read her story. Also, it’s that time of year where many women are trying to get ideas for the perfect country wedding. Whether you are the one with the upcoming wedding, or you are looking for your daughter, or you’re just looking for ideas for the a future wedding, we have compiled some photos and information for some fun wedding ideas. We have included the more traditional look, the denim look and a rustic, style wedding.

Check out our new Rodeo Queen’s Corner look! We have featured Miss Rodeo America 2012, Mackenzie Carr and also unveiled our new logo with Miss Rodeo Illinois 2011 Brooke Owen, who won Most Photogenic in the MRA Pageant. We have also included tips from some of the top Rodeo Queens from around the country.

Get ready to spring clean your barn or tack room! We’ve included some ways to easily organize your tack room. We also included ideas of how you can have a tack room with limited space!

Contributors Tim Carson Cort Flynn Sarah DeGroot Devanie Gentry Lois Hunt Art/Production/Layout Country Productions Advertising Quinton Charles

Send editorial submissions to: editor@cowgirlsinstyle.com For Advertising: advertising@cowgirlsinstyle.com Country Productions P.O. Box 841 Washington, UT 84780 Email: info@cowgirlsinstyle.com

We appreciate all of your Cowgirl support and for letting the Cowgirl voice ring clear! Until next time, we hope to see you all on the trail!

Susie

Susan Gentry Editor-In-Chief 8 | Cowgirls In Style | Spring 2012

Copyright 2012 Country Productions/Cowgirls In Style Magazine. Cowgirls In Style does not assume liability for articles, products or services advertised within.

WHAT’S NEW?

M

eredith Lockhart of Thistles West and Merezia Custom Rodeo Queen MacKenzie Carr was named Wear is announcing a name change Miss Rodeo America 2012 in Las Vegas, NV. for her companies to Meredith Lockhart Collections (www.MeredithLockhart.com). Customers will have one location for all of Meredith’s collections. Her beautiful, award winning unique MacKenzie is from Vernonia, Oregon. She received the crown on December 10, 2011 at handmade western and crossover fashions, the conclusion of the week-long pageant held wedding dresses, bags, belts, masks and jewin Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the elry will be featured. Fashion customers will be able to see Meredith’s winning rodeo queen Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. fashions and those customers can easily see Read more about MacKenzie in our Rodeo her accessories and fashions all in one website.

Queen’s Corner along with tips from her and Bobbi Jeen Olson, the 2012 face of Meredith Lockhart Collections will be featured in many other Rodeo Queen’s around the country. fashions and accessories on the website.

e -Cowgirl Cowgirl Blogger |Devanie Gentry

Rustic Wedding Chic

Rustic Inspiration for your Country Wedding

W

hile looking for some information to include in our Country Weddings feature article, I came upon an informative website and blog...

Rustic Wedding Chic has become the wedding blog of choice for brides planning a rustic or country wedding.

Launched in May of 2009, Rustic Wedding Chic inspires and guides couples with a daily muse of photography and information along with a curated directory of resources, the very popular “Ask Maggie” feature, a “How To” with DIY projects, etiquette advice and helpful articles. Rustic Wedding Chic loves to showcase “real” weddings- filled with creative, dreamy and inspiring photos.

Editor and founder, Maggie Lord, a self confessed wedding junkie since the age of 13, loves the romance and beauty of weddings. Passionate about the rustic style and eager to share her discoveries and ideas while planning her lakeside wedding at her family’s summer cabin in Northern Wisconsin, she started blogging. Now RusticWeddingChic.com has become a leading online resource for rustic & country weddings and acts as a daily muse for

10 | Cowgirls In Style | Spring 2012

brides, couples and wedding enthusiasts, offering an online venue for idea gathering and inspiration. In addition to being the editor of Rustic Wedding Chic Maggie is also a contributing author for various other online and print publications and is sought after as an expert on rustic & country weddings.

Maggie is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and received a Master’s Degree from Southern New Hampshire University. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and young son.

Rustic Wedding Chic (Gibbs Smith publishing) their book will be coming out in August and offers over 160 pages of country and rustic inspiration along with Tips From The Wedding Pros,

March 2012 Amy Wilson Photo by: Doyle Saddler DoyleSaddler.net

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31 Cowgirls In Style Summer Issue comes out in June! 4

Winter 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

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In Beauty

Cowgirl Beauty Tips

Makeup Trends for Spring 2012

From The Cowgirl Dirt Team Written By Sarah DeGroot

It’s time to update our cowgirl look with the latest fashion trends in makeup. Two opposing spring trends are in the air. Much of the winter’s trends are being carried over into spring in a subdued form including metallic eyes and red lips. However, if you want a completely fresh look, forget the red lips and go with the new soft, sun-kissed look that is pink and peachy.

Coming out of winter dryness, skin needs special care to achieve the natural look. Work at hydrating your face to get your skin as close to perfect as possible. Following a good skin-conditioning regimen, apply foundation thickly focusing on the center of the face. The trick is to create the perfect “nude” canvas that a hint (or a pop) of color can be added to.

Lip colors vary this season. If you love red lips and always tend toward red, stick with it. However, if you are ready for something new, try the new rosy or nude lips.

Pink is universally becoming to women as long as you pick a pink with complementary undertones to your skin. One or two shades darker than your lips is a good nude lip color.

Cheeks this spring are imitating the sun-kissed and rosy natu-

ral glow. Apply bronzer under your cheekbone and continue with a coral or plum blush on the cheek.

Don’t forget to smile while applying your blush. Not only do cheek colors need to look natural, but the location needs to look natural too.

Eye colors are focusing on pastels in keeping with the clean look of spring. Metallic, smoky eyes are still very popular in light gold, green, and silver. Before applying eye shadow, apply concealer or cream eye shadow to encourage a long lasting affect without smudges. For a fresh and natural metallic eye, apply lightly to add just a hint of color.

One area of the face that cowgirls should not forget this season is the brows. Brows are going thick and brushed up. Choose a brow or eyeliner pencil one to two shades lighter than your brow to fill in your brow with extra color. If you don’t go with the new thick brows, remember to keep your brows well groomed.

To achieve these new trends in makeup, check out Cowgirl Dirt’s Rawhide Organic Facial Serum, Deep Sea Masque, Powder Foundation, Concealer, and Silverado Cream Eye Shadow. Every cowgirl featured needs cowgirl makeup.

Cheeks this spring are imitating the sun-kissed and rosy natural glow.

14 | Cowgirls In Style | Spring 2012

Cowgirl Dirt 3122 Annie St Bozeman MT 59718 Phone: 855-711-3478 info@cowgirldirt.com www.CowgirlDirt.com See Coupon Code on Page 19

Manicures for the Cowgirl?

Glamming up your nails Cowgirl Style...

L

ooking for a change in your style, but not sure what? French manicures have been in style for years, but lately nails have become anything goes.

We happened upon a blogspot that featured cowgirl/ Western nail art. It’s featured at www.robinmoses.com

The nail designs feature a bucking bronc, red checkered tablecloth with barbwired, cowboy boots, cowboy hats and more. We know many cowgirls don’t have the time to get their nails done, or the cowgirl lifestyle has too many demands for polished nails. But for those of you who want to dress it up a bit, check out the nail art below. Kick it up!

www.robinmoses.com

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In Beauty

Entertainment

Cowgirls In Style magazine was invited to the American Country Awards Red Carpet!

Check it out!

Photos courtesy of Getty Images and Fox

Kimberly Perry from The Band Perry

Kristin Chenoweth

16 | Cowgirls In Style | Spring 2012

Jordan Sparks

Lauren Elaina

Jamie Little

Shawna Thompson

Entertainment

Country Buzz

Winning Ed McMahon’s Internet Star Search in 2002 and advanced to the Hollywood round of American Idol in 2009. “She’s wow! With great vocals-great song!”

A

t first glance, Mallorie Haley may seem like just With great vocals-great song!” says Mary J. Blige. another pretty face. No doubt about it, the girl turns heads but once she opens her mouth to Demonstrating great promise as a writer and an unwavsing you’ll soon discover this is one beautiful ering determination to achieve her ultimate goal of beyoung lady with the talent to back it up. Her exceptional coming a recording artist, Mallorie made the move to Nashville in 2007. She quickly developed voice, remarkable writing chops and musiMallorie is strong relationships within Music Row’s cianship will keep you looking and listening. everything country tight nit community of songwriters. She Mallorie was born in Winner, South Dakota music listeners have also caught the attention of several music where it quickly became apparent that this been waiting to hear. business executives. “Mallorie possesses a unique yet familiar vocal style-it’s intrigulittle girl had stars in her eyes. Mallorie began a lifelong journey to a career as a country music recording ing and fresh, but still she stays true to the genre. She’s artist by singing the National Anthem at National Finals truly the complete package and I am proud to be able to Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since then there’s been work with her!!” commented Porter. Multiplatinum prono looking back. Her exceptional vocal skills have given ducer, Carson Chamberlain remarked, “She has a unique her the opportunity to sing to thousands of fans opening sound that is refreshing in today’s climate.” for numerous well known artists including George Jones, Crystal Gayle, Deirks Bentley and Kenny Chesney to name a few. Mallorie continued paying her dues and honing her With a sultry yet traditional vocal style combined with reskills while singing at festivals and rodeos all over the Mid- markable writing skills not to mention undeniable beauty west in addition to the Texas Rangers baseball games and inside and out, Mallorie Haley is everything country music the Johnnie High Music Review. Notably, she won Ed Mc- listeners have been waiting to hear. In the words of Simon Mahon’s Internet Star Search in 2002 and advanced to the Cowell, “She’s fearless, great fun, great energy! I like her!”

Hollywood round of American Idol in 2009. “She’s wow! Enough said!

For more information go to www.MallorieHaley.com Spring 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

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In Fashion

Cowgirls

Fashion Forecast Spring 2012 Written By Devanie Gentry

Colors for spring are luscious Tangerine tango, margarita, cockatoo, starfish, sodalite blue and driftwood...

S

pring has always been a season for pastel colors and light colored fashions, but this spring you can add bright colors to your pastel color wardrobe.

Fashion designer, Meredith Lockhart says, “My forecast for Spring Fashion trends lean toward the romantic looks of flowy skirts and tops that are feminine. I love the look of a layered maxi skirt and a well fitted top or a brightly colored ruffled top with a straight skirt in a neutral tone. A favorite thing of mine for spring is to start with an off white fabric or buckskin and add tons of embroidery in bright springy colors then add, for instance, a handkerchief hem skirt and a top of the Flamingo(pinkish coral) under a jacket. All finished off with a great decorative belt, boots and jewelry with some turquoise in it! A touch of bling on the top or the skirt with Swarovski crystals is a must! The accessory forecast is for colors such as Sagebrush, Angora, Cinder and Flamingo, just to name a few with Baja being my favorite.”

Spring Colors Palette Tangerine Tango colored boots

‘My forecast for Spring Fashion trends lean toward the romantic looks of flowy skirts and tops that are feminine.’

-Meredith Lockhart Fashion Designer

18 | Cowgirls In Style | Spring 2012

“Some of the colors for spring are luscious Tangerine Tango, Margarita, Cockatoo, Starfish, Sodalite Blue and Driftwood,” says Meredith. Of course, everybody, whether you are a western fashonista or not, needs a great pair of boots, belt or bag. Western fashions are still to be seen in the mix of High Fashion Couture runway shows everywhere.”

A sodalite blue colored ring with sterling silver is a great fashion accessory.

Dress it up, or wear it with your favorite denim outfit.

Meredith’s wedding dress color forecast for spring is to get away from the traditional white or off white.

Break out of the mold and go bolder with colors like Pistachio, Rose Hips, Flamingo or Innocence(a pale pinkish color). View her pink and white wedding dress in our weddings feature section.

In Fashion

Subscribe!

www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

Use accent colors of Tangerine Tango, Sodalite Blue, Cockatoo or Cabaret(hot pink) with a dress of champagne or natural white(slightly off white) silk.

These beautiful, bright spring colors are accentuated in a spring bridal bouquet.

If you are looking for more wedding fashions, styles and ideas, read our featured Country Weddings section. We have included pastel, denim, rustic and spring wedding ideas. Look no further to plan a beautiful country wedding. Cowgirls In Style has placed it all in this convenient, beautiful spring issue. ,

For more country wedding fashions, styles and ideas, look in our special country wedding feature. you will find pastel, denim, rustic and spring fashions...

Spring 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 19

Latest Cowgirl

In Fashion

From the BIGGEST Cowgirl Brands www.cowgirltuffco.com

Cowgirl Tuff News...

000158 Yellow burnout jersey tee with crystal button vneck. Large brown velvet wings and silver foil. MSRP

000146 Red long sleeve zip hood. French terry fabric with thick black yarn stitching and silver foil/ black designs.

MSRP $85.00

..

• Mother’s Day Promotion (select stores): The week before Mother’s Day, purchase $100 of Cowgirl Tuff product get $10 off; Purchase $150 get $20 off, purchase $200 get $30 off.

Father’s Day Promotion (select stores): The week before Father’s Day, purchase $100 of B. Tuff product get $10 off; Purchase $150 get $20 off, purchase $200 get $30 off.

Rodeo Star Medium wash with whiskering/sanding.

Brown stitching, brown barbed wire stitching on back pockets with star/buckin’ horse and plaid details.

MSRP $99.99

000151 Black tank dress in jersey stretch.

Women’s cut and finished seams. Charcoal/white paisley print and crystals.

MSRP $55.00

• NGU Wear: Debuting in stores May and June is our NGU Wear line. This includes hoodies, lounge pants, fleece shorts, sundresses, tanks, fleece capris and swimsuits!

Try on a pair of “Rodeo Star” Cowgirl Tuff’s, comfortable and stylish jean

For more information:

www.CowgirlTuffco.com

Cowgirls In Style Pick Our pick is the Cowgirl Tuff black and purple sweatshirt. With purple being a color for spring, this is reversible and can be worn black with purple art, or purple with black art. Perfect for spring.

Black/purple long sleeve slub jersey reversible zip hood. Purple art on black side. Black art on purple side. www.cowgirltuffco.com

20 | Cowgirls In Style | spring 2012

• Jewelry: Available now, we have 3 styles of dog tags with the sayings “Never Give Up”, “Believe” and “Cowgirl Tuff”.

They retail for $20.00.

Fashions...

In Fashion

Get Your Cowgirl On... www.wranglerwestern.com

Wrangler News...

• Enjoy the many bright spring colors that Wrangler has to offer. From their turquoise, fuscia, pinks and sherbet orange.

Pick out a pair of shorts to match their tanks and t-shirts.

• Check out Wrangler’s Booty Up Jean. The Booty Up jean features unique darts , seams, stitching patterns and fabrics all designed to visually lift the rear for the shape women desire.

They have under sewn -seams, slanted side darts and repositioned back pockets. Get a pair for spring!

• Don’t forget the accessories to go along with your outfit.

The belt, the jewelry, the handbag and the boots or rhinestone flip-flops.

For more information: www.wranglerwestern.com

Style: Western

Style: Women’s Western Wear, style #: LWD264M Details: Pieced dress, Turquoise solid top with paisley bottom, Studs at center and on straps, 100% cotton MSRP: approx $50

Fashion Shirts -Just Released, style #: LW2431M Details: Tailored with performance sleeves, Front and back yokes with embroidery, Waist darts, Rhinestone snaps, 100% polyesterMSRP: approx: $64

Style: Women’s Western Wear, style #: LWD266M Details: V-neck floral embroidery at sleeve and bottom hemline, 100% cotton MSRP: approx. $50

Style: Rock 47 by Wrangler, style #: WHC58HT Details: 23” inseam with cuff, 99% cotton/1% spandex, Hot Rocks wash MSRP: approx. $82

Cowgirls In Style Pick Our pick is the Wrangler Sherbet Orange Jersey Tank Style# LJK570O Rock 47™ Collection. Tank with One Point Western Yokes with Studs. Double Needle Long Gun Metal Stitches at Yokes. 100% Cotton Jersey. www.wranglerwestern.com

Style: Rock 47 by Wrangler, style #: LJK240M Details: Scoop neck, Stripe, Lace appliqué at sides, 60% cotton/40% polyester MSRP: approx. $50

Style: Women’s Western Fashion Shirts – Indian Summer, style #: LWK268M Details: Aztec print, 100% cotton MSRP: approx. $30

Spring is here!

Wrangler has beautiful tanks, dresses and shorts in spring colors. Check out all of their fashions on their website

Spring 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

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Country Weddings Pastel Ideas.............. 24

Denim Ideas ............ 28

Rustic Ideas...............30 Check out our wedding accessories page... 31

Wedding Accessories Bridal Flip Flops Perfect for your wedding day www.cowgirldivaz.com

3 Hay Bales Perfect table decorations Sizes: 2 ½ “ or 5 ½ “ www.satnspurs.com

These bridal jeans are perfect for the casual occasions like your bachelorette or engagement party. They are trimmed in beautiful wedding lace; black and white.

4

www.satnspurs.com

Bridal Shower and Honeymoon Personalize your luncheon or dinner napkins with your name, date and choice of western design. www.satnspurs.com

A surprise for your honeymoon.

These cute aprons will surely catch his eye! Find more styles The Annie Oakley at ... www.facebook.com/jinglingspur

The Southern Belle

A great way to toast the happy couple with these Women, Wine and Equine goblets.

womenwineandequine.com

Spring 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

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Spring 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

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Horses In Style

Cowgirls In Style talks

Anything Goes In Horse Bling!

Horse Bling

An inexpensive way to dress up your horse without spending a ton of money on new tack...

Color is Better

For more information, please go to:

C

olor IS Better!!

Need a way to dress up your horse without spending money on a new saddle and tack? Mane and tail hair clip on extensions may be the answer. A very inexpensive way to dress up your horse.

Colored mane and tail hair extensions are a great idea for those involved in...

• Rodeo Royalty • Parade Riders • Drill Teams • Barrel Racers • Open Shows • Ropers • Team Penning • Trail Riders

colorfulmanesandtails.com (See ad below)

Gray horse above showcasing pink mane and tail equine hair extensions.

Photo courtesy of Colorful Manes and Tails.

These extensions can be easily secured by clips and can be clipped in and out in a matter of minutes.

Match the extensions to your outfit and be noticed in any arena.

Sorrel horse to the right is wearing the turquoise mane and tail extensions.

Photo courtesy of Colorful Manes and Tails.

Spring 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 37

Leisha

Rylie

Above: from Oklahoma Photo by: Leslie Spencer

from North Carolina Photo by: Elizabeth Ward Sescilla

Meredith

from California Photos by: Aaryn James

Adrian

from California Photo by: Alison Brannan

Celebrating Cowgirls...

Jacki and Alli from Texas Photo by: Nancy Wilkins

Amy

from Kansas Photo by: Doyle Saddler

More Information...

We’re celebrating Cowgirls! “LIKE” us on Facebook to be a part of it all!

Email your photos and we might select you! info@cowgirlsinstyle.com

44 | Cowgirls In Style | Spring 2012

By Susan Gentry

Making a Difference

Daughter uses Barrel Racing to help Pass Time as Father Serves in Afghanistan

S

herry Sykes and her daughter, Nakiya Sykes share the love for the sport of barrel racing! I am a full time mother to 3, work a full time job on post serving the children of Fort Campbell, KY, and a full time horse owner and trainer for my daughter.

We are not your average barrel racers....we maybe your weekender barrel racers so to speak, but we are also full time Military Supporters! The war in Afghanistan is part of our daily lives on top of the other 20-30 things normal families do on a daily basis. Our schedule gets those odd things that most families don’t have to do regularly like send “CARE” packages a few times a month, sleep with your telephone, and hope and pray your computer doesn’t go in to sleep mode and miss an alert from your loved one in Afghanistan.

Sherry’s daughter is 10 year old Nakiya Sykes...she is a barrel racer! This is her sport of choice! She is not part of the majority here at Fort Campbell, KY when it comes to children and their extra curricular activities. She has been riding horses for about 3 years. Nakiya started barrel racing 2 years ago. In her short 2 years working on learning the do’s and don’t’s of the sport she has won countless ribbons, trophies, and her first buckle this year! Nakiya has been the 2 year running high point champion in her age and speed class at our local saddle club. A lot of this accomplishment we owe to her best friend and partner in crime Fancy. Fancy is a little black quarter pony mare that has taught Nakiya more than any human ever could, and not just about barrel racing! Even though my daughter has accomplished a lot in her short 2 year run at her sport she has endured half of that with a deployment! Yes, her dad is SGT Steven R Sykes currently serving in Kandahar Afghanistan! Daily life is difficult enough for children then add in the fact that your father is down range in a WAR! School work, horse work or any kind of work for that matter, he has had to miss so much of her life in the last year. Nakiya has many times stepped on to her little horse to hit the alley way and the last thing she would say to me is,” Mom I wish Dad was here!” Many tears have been shed after a run, but never for a loss or a win always for the empty seat of her biggest supporter!

Nakiya misses her father every time she sets her self up to make a run, but if she didn’t have her sport, this sport, and her best friend I am not sure what kind of a toll this War would take on our child. For that we are blessed. My little cowgirl at 10 has very different struggles with things in the world than most children as most children her age have no idea what Afghanistan even is. I am very proud of my husband and the job he does for our family as well as his country. I would never want to discredit what any soldier does for this nation, but sometimes you just want what we live on a daily basis to just go away, and for me every time I watch her smooch to her horse, hit that ally and get a clean fast run, it all disappears for those few short seconds!

Nakiya and her father share a moment

Nakiya barrel racing

Nakiya’s father, SGT Steven R. Sykes

Spring 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 45

Items to Organize your Barns,Tack Rooms & Trailers Trailer Dressing Room Kit

Includes: One 3x4 gray HOSS panel Four mounting brackets One 14x36x9 wire bin with mounting brackets One 18� 5-Hook Rail Bar One 12x12x8 Deep Basket One 12x6x6 narrow basket Two double hooks One single hook

$152.06

3-Tier Swivel Vertical Saddle Rack Gray hammer tone powder coated.

The top two saddle racks will swing 360 degrees. The frame has rubber non-skid feet. Comes boxed.

Assembly required

$90.00

Hanging Rope Bag Keep your ropes neat and tidy. Hang the organizer on existing bridle hooks. Easily holds up to six ropes in their individual compartments.

$36.61

1-888-298-8628

www.OrganizedBarn.com

Business Spotlight

e Th irl wg k o C an w S tory S

An Original Hide-On-Hair and Swarovski Crystal Caps and Apparel company, made in the U.S.A.

C

owgirl Swank is a one of a kind, cowgirl fashion company that focuses on handmade, custom hair-on-hide and Swarovski crystal caps, visors and apparel. Started in 2007 by Cheyenne Wilson, her creations have become a must have fashion statement for many cowgirls across the country.

custom caps and visors using steer hide and Swarovski crystals. “I originally started the company as a retail venue thinking I would go to tradeshows as a vendor,” says Cheyenne. Her plan was to create her own caps and visors to sell as well as selling a few other items such as belts, handbags, and jewelry.

This was short-lived when she found out she was expecting her son. She soon became a firsttime mother and her business took a back seat for a couple of years. Once she had a chance to reassess her goals and what she wanted for Cowgirl Swank, she totally changed directions.

Cheyenne was born and raised in southeastern Montana on a working cattle ranch. Her family also raised quarter horses. They trained them and used them to compete in rodeos.

Her mom competed in the 1976 NFR in Oklahoma City Cheyenne determined that so Cheyenne was fortunate planting herself in one location to have a horse trainer for a was a better move for her, so mother. She started rodeoshe set up shop in Oelrichs, SD ing when she was 3 at local (a small town 20 miles from their play days. She continued to ranch) and began offering cuscompete into high school tom wholesale items along with where she won 3 state custom retail sales as she had championships in breakdone in the past. away roping, pole bending, and goat tying. Rodeoing All of Cowgirl Swank’s items are helped her earn a full-ride handcrafted in the USA. “I think scholarship to Dawson that is what makes my creations Community College in special.....the fact that they are Cheyenne showcases some of her caps Glendive, MT. She went on custom,” says Cheyenne. Some from college to become inwell known western wear stores volved in makeup artistry and retail management. To- now carry her designs including, - NRS - David’s Westday, Cheyenne and her husband and three-year-old son ern Stores - Murdoch’s, etc... own and operate a cow/calf operation on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota.

Cheyenne put all of her time and efforts into developing a new website at www.CowgirlSwank.com, and incorpoA love of western style and retail is something that Chey- rating Facebook into her business. Facebook proved to enne has always cherished. She loves classy bling styles be another positive aspect and a very important vessel and decided to take it upon herself to design and create of growth for her business.

50 | Cowgirls In Style | Spring 2012

Cheyenne was also fortunate to be involved in the Miss Rodeo America pageant/fashion show this year in Las Vegas. All of the contestants wore Cowgirl Swank military cap creations in the opening segment of the fashion show. She was fortunate to be there to see all of them under the spotlights. Wow, what a sight!! GAC and Suzanne Alexander covered the fashion show and Cheyenne was so surprised to see Cowgirl Swank caps on TV before the NFR!! “What an incredible surprise!” says Cheyenne.

Cheyenne has also made various donations to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund as well as other smaller benefits and funds. She truly believes in paying it forward and giving back. “I plan to participate in the JCCF Celebrity Bowling Tournament next year in Las Vegas with Team Cowgirl Swank. I believe that helping others is an essential part and duty of every business. Where would I be without my customers? I treasure each of them and affectionately call them “Swank Fans” on my Facebook page. I prefer to refer to them as something more than customers - friends, if you will,” says Cheyenne. “When I create something with my hands for someone it involves an innate artistic quality that includes getting to know what each person wants based on their personality and preference. That’s why I say, “friends” because by the time they receive their custom item from me..... they are no longer just a customer....they are a friend.”

Miss Rodeo America contestants wore Cowgirl Swank military cap creations in the opening segment of the MRA fashion show.

Right: 2012 Miss Rodeo America, MacKenzie Carr shows off a Cowgirl Swank cap

More Information?

Cowgirl Swank Office: 605-535-2080 www.CowgirlSwank.com Find them on Facebook... www.Facebook.com/cowgirlswank

Cowgirl’s Social From the ACA’s Red Carpet, to the MRA Pageant, to the NFR... Cowgirls In Style Gets Around...

Photo by: Nick McCombs

MRA Fashion Show Confetti

Fashion designer Bob Kippy and MRA Manager Whitney Willbanks

Carrie Underwood at ACA press

Angie Meadors signing at NFR

The Band Perry at ACA’s McKenzie Haley 2011 MRA Queen

Mixing Business with Pleasure... It was a great time mixing business with pleasure as some of the C.I.S. staff went to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, the American Country Awards and the NFR. A great few weeks in Vegas!

MRA Fashion Show

MRA Fashion Show

Raeana Wadhams MRA Executive Director

CIS Editors Susan and Julie at the MGM in Vegas for the MRA Pageant

Nick McCombs CIS photographer and reporter for ACA’s

Winter 2012 | www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

| 57

CIS Editor Devanie Gentry with Miss Rodeo North Dakota Sam Stanke

CIS Editor Devanie Gentry with Miss Rodeo Utah Jamie Udell

Jason Aldean interviewed at the ACA’s in Vegas

Scotty McCreery at the ACA’s CIS Editor Susan Gentry and husband Rob at MGM for NFR

Miss Rodeo Washington 2011 Amanda Emerson in MRA fashion show with leather/feathered gown

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